About Us

In 1977, Ms Hamann founded Helen Hamann S.A., a sweater-design and manufacturing company, to utilize Peru’s natural resources such as alpaca, pima cotton and the native labor pool.  She set the highest standards for quality in both construction and workmanship.  Her designs skillfully combined the traditional colorful and intricate Inca techniques with modern and trendy looks, achieving her own exclusive and personalized style.  Miss Hamann’s designs were extremely well received in the most fashionable markets in the U.S. and around the world.  In addition, she created exclusive designs for companies such as Peruvian Connection and Andean Imports.  She also sold her designs in her own fashion boutiques located in exclusive districts in Lima, Peru where her clientele included tourists and members of the diplomatic community.

Helen Hamann S.A. was the first textile company in Peru’s history to sell to international markets under its own brand name and compete successfully with internationally renowned labels.

Ms Hamann was one of the founders of the International Alpaca Association back in 1984.  She held the designer’s chair of the board of directors until she moved to Canada.

For years, she ran a trading company which included sales in such markets as Canada, the United States, Japan and Europe.

Her unique talents are complemented with a strong knowledge of the fashion and knitwear industry, as well as a deep understanding of alpaca fiber with all its glorious qualities.  For the past few years, Miss Hamann has been working in close association with AFCNA (Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America).  They, as well as other clients around the globe, consult Ms Hamann regarding new trends for fiber development, color and design, while yarn manufacturers and craft magazines also rely on her exceptional talents for developing and writing knitting patterns.

June, 2006 marked a new milestone in Ms. Hamann’s growth and creative development.  Interweave Press  started marketing her book of patterns, featuring exclusive designs inspired by ancient Peruvian textiles in modern and trendy silhouettes all beautifully hand-knitted in alpaca.  The book—“Andean Inspired Knits”-- also tells a brief story about the origins of alpacas and their development through the ages, as well as that of pre-Colombian Peruvian textiles.

2006  also represented another milestone in Ms. Hamann’s career, since it saw the light of her new prêt-a-porter collection, luxuriously hand-knitted haute couture garments in the highest qualities of alpaca and alpaca blends available—a most sensual treat to the senses.  To view or purchase any of these masterpieces follow this link.